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An air conditioner is a machine we use to cool our homes when it’s hot outside. It’s important to clean it regularly so it works well and lasts longer. It’s important to clean your air conditioner so it can help avoid problems and keep your home comfortable and healthy.
Learn how to clean your air conditioner to make sure you are breathing healthy air.
What is an Air Conditioner?
An air conditioner is a machine that cools the air inside a building, usually a home or office, to make it more comfortable during hot weather. It works by taking in warm air from inside the building, removing the heat from it, and then blowing the cooled air back into space. Air conditioners are commonly used in places with hot climates to provide relief from high temperatures.
Why Do You Need to Clean Your Air Conditioner?
When you clean your air conditioner it’ll work well, save you money, and keep the air in your home clean.
Cleaning your air conditioner is important for a few reasons:
- Dust and dirt can gather in the air conditioner, making it harder for it to cool the air.
- It stops it from getting worn out too quickly and breaking down.
- Cleaning it helps keep the air in your home clean and healthy.
Parts of an AirCon
An air conditioner is made up of several key parts that work together to cool and circulate air. Here’s what you’ll need to know before you clean your air conditioner:
- Compressor
- Condenser Coil
- Evaporator Coil
- Refrigerant Lines
- Expansion Valve
- Fan
- Air Filter
- Thermostat
- Ductwork
How to Clean Your Air Conditioner?
By following these steps, you can do DIY air conditioner care and make sure it runs well:
Dry the Air-conditioner
If you’ve been using your air conditioner all day on a hot summer day, it might have moisture in it. When you turn it off, there might be some moisture inside from the cool air it produced. Before you clean your air conditioner, it’s important to let this moisture evaporate. To do this, set your air conditioner to ‘Fan Mode’ and let it run for about 30-40 minutes.
Disconnect the Unit from Power
Before you start to clean your air conditioner, especially one that uses electricity like your air conditioner, it’s crucial to unplug it from the power source. You don’t want to risk getting shocked while you’re cleaning it.
Cover the Unit
When you need to clean your air conditioner, dirt and water might fall out as you work. To catch this dirt and prevent it from making a mess, it’s a good idea to put a big garbage bag or an air-con bag around the indoor unit. This way, all the dirt and drippings will fall into the bag, and you can simply throw it away when you’re done.
Remove the Front Panel
To access the inside of your air conditioner, you’ll need to remove the front panel. This panel is usually held in place by latches or tabs. You’ll need to undo these latches or push the tabs to lift the panel upwards carefully before you clean your air conditioner. If the panel doesn’t come out easily, you can hold it with one hand while you clean the inside.
Take Out the Air Filters
Once you’ve removed the front panel, you’ll see the air filters inside. These filters are usually long rectangular pieces that are fastened to the unit. You’ll need to locate the tabs that connect the air filters to the unit and press them to release the filters.
Wash the Air Filters
Now that you’ve removed the air filters, it’s time to clean your air conditioner. You can do this by using mild soap and clean cool water. Simply scrub the filters gently with a sponge or a cleaning pad to remove all the dust. After washing them, make sure to rinse the filters thoroughly and let them air-dry completely before you put them back in the unit.
Clean the Bacteria Filters
Some air conditioners also have bacteria filters that need to be cleaned. These filters help remove bacteria and germs from the air, keeping your indoor environment healthy. You can clean your air conditioner filters in the same way you clean the air filters, using mild soap and water.
Clean the Cooling Fins
Once you’ve removed the air filters, you’ll see the cooling fins inside the unit. These fins look like a set of metallic lines that are fitted in the cleaning AC filters and coils. To clean them, you can use an air blower to blow off the dust. Make sure to attach a box or a bag to the air blower to collect all the dust from the fins.
Clean the Coils
The coils are rounded metal pieces that run across the centre of the indoor unit. To clean your air conditioner coils, you can use a no-rinse evaporator spray. Simply spray the cleaner on the coils and let it sit for about 20-30 minutes. Then, wipe off the cleaner with a clean cloth.
Use Antifungal Spray
To prevent mould and bacteria growth inside your air conditioner maintenance tips, you can use an antifungal spray. Simply spray the spray on the coils and filters, and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, wipe off any excess spray with a clean cloth. This will help clean your air conditioner and smell fresh.
Put Back the Filters
After you clean your air conditioner and it’s dry, you’ll need to put the filters back in the unit. Make sure to wipe out any dampness from the filters with a dry cloth before you put them back in. Then, simply slide the filters back into their slots in the unit. They should fit easily, but if you’re having trouble, you can check the user manual for guidance. Once the filters are in place, put the front panel back on and latch it properly.
Flush the Drain Lines
To prevent clogs in the drain lines of your air conditioner, it’s a good idea to flush them out regularly. You can do this by disconnecting the pipe that separates the indoor and outdoor units and using a pressurised flush kit to clear any clogs. Simply attach the pressurised nozzle to the end of the pipe, and use the force of the water or cleaner to clear out any debris in the pipe. Learn about cleaning services from ourvillas.
Turn on the AC
Finally, once everything is back in place and dry, it’s time to turn on the air conditioner and make sure it’s working properly. Plug the unit back in and set it to maximum cooling. Let it run for about 15-20 minutes to make sure all the dirty water is drained out. Keep a cleaning bag or cloth handy to collect any dirty water that comes out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn’t my air conditioner cooling properly?
If your air conditioner isn’t cooling well, first check if the filter is dirty. Clean or change it. Then, see if the outdoor unit is clear and the thermostat is set right. If it’s still not cooling, get a professional to check it.
How often should I clean my air conditioner’s filters?
Clean or change your air conditioner’s filters every 1 to 2 months, especially in summer. Dirty filters make your AC work harder and make the air inside less clean.
Is it okay to cover my outdoor air conditioner unit in winter?
Yes, cover it with a special breathable cover to protect it from snow and debris. But remember to take off the cover in spring before using the AC.
Why does my air conditioner make weird noises?
Weird noises might mean parts are loose or dirty. Turn it off and call a technician to fix it.